What's in a name?
Shakespeare said, nothing... But I beg to differ. You see before I knew who I was,
My very name told me,
That I, at the VERY least,
I was a Victorious Woman.
Before the mind numbing, robot creating policies and practices of a system created to MISeducate me, could attempt to tell me both who I could and COULDN'T be.
My mother gave me a CONSTANT reminder of who GOD intended me to be.
She then helped me to understand that only I could protect my mind, and to never let anyone or anything limit me.
Before I knew what I was doing I CHOSE... VOWING to become that Victorious Woman.
I spoke out against injustice and stood up for what was right.
I learned of God and His ways.
Demanded RESPECT from ALL who encountered me, REGARDLESS of their level of authority.
Because it was my BIRTHRIGHT.
Perplexed many with this knowledge.
A child, a tween, a teen, and little black girl,
FULLY aware that first and foremost she was HUMAN. Grounded, empowered, and completely CONVINCED that she was DESTINED to be,
a Victorious Woman.
Oh I had my wild times too.
Stealing street signs, liquor, and smoking that good ole Mary Jane until my lungs seemed filled with nimbus sized clods of smoke.
Even had a drinking problem for a few years too.
For some I'm sure your mind is blown.
Because at the same time I was working on political campaigns, helping within my Community, and in 2001 I was ordained. Monthly you saw me singing, reading, and proclaiming the Word of God to the shut in Catholics of my city.
But no matter how crazy, I'd get, I made sure my obligations were met.
And my name wouldn't let me forget.
That I was MEANT to be,
a Victorious Woman.
Truth be told I could go on like this at least four or five pages more,
but I would then completely digress, from the point these lines were meant to impress, upon you, back to my question from before.
There's A LOT in a name... For me it gave me strength... Even when I mistakenly felt that even God had turned His back.
What's in a name?
Far more than you know, it shapes and creates a framework.
Expecting and future parents, please of this always be mindful
@Victoria Parker-Stroude Victoria, this poem resounds with victory, dignity, and virtuosity, and poses a very interesting question to its readers. What does your name mean? Is it a traditional meaning, or does it mean something special to you? Strong, bold, inspiring, and honest! Thank you so much for sharing this and a bit about yourself, we enjoyed reading this, great poem!